Technology is challenging. There are real world consequences to the decisions we make and how we choose to implement them. Deadlines, stress, and a myriad of other factors can warp our best efforts. This document is a guiding statement for keeping myself and my team on track while we work to make the world a little bit better.

I do solemnly affirm that I will preserve, protect, and support the following principles to the best of my ability and conscience:

  1. I will use technology for good.
    My work will be used for the betterment of individuals and society. My work will not harm the freedom or security of others.
  2. I will place the user first.
    A user's ability to interact with my software should not be impeded by any conscious shortcut in my benefit. I will accommodate all needs I can and provide the user with the experience I expect for myself.
  3. I will respect my teammates and myself.
    No matter ability, age, background, class, culture, ethnicity, education, family, gender, identity, position, origin, orientation, race, religion, sexuality, size, or status; those I work with are my peers.
  4. I will respect privacy.
    A user's personal data will never be abused, copied, or shared.
  5. I will never deprive accessibility.
    All users have the right to access my work comfortably and safely. Identity, physicality, and mentality should be treated with respect via function and language.
  6. I will use the best tool for the job.
    I will always use the most appropriate tool over the most attractive. Less is more.
  7. I will share my knowledge.
    Those who inquire about the information or tools I have used through out my career will be provided with my knowledge so they can continue passing it along.
  8. I will not obfuscate my work.
    When not in production, my work will be as clear, DRY, and readable as possible. I will favor descriptive naming over excessive documentation. I will not mix tabs and spaces. I will be consistent and organized. I expect my work to be transfered to the hands of others.
  9. I will test my work.
    My work is tested via automation or supported and properly tested by a quality assurance team.
  10. I will not be afraid to say, “I don't know.”
    I am not embarrassed to reveal my shortcomings, ask for help, or seek guidance. I am willing to learn.

Signed,
Daniel Lacy